Allegations that a teen rugby player was subjected to 'vile' racist abuse by opposition coaches during a match has sparked an investigation by Scottish Rugby.
A probe has been launched into Greenock Wanderers, after claims at least one member of their coaching staff repeatedly branded a player from Strathmore Silverbacks a 'P**i'.
The abuse is alleged to have happened at Fort Matilda, Greenock, Inverclyde, on Saturday.
Strathmore Silverbacks winger Dylan Skibinski, 18, says he was so sickened by the slurs that he refused to shake hands with any of the Greenock coaches after the match.
Dylan, who was born in Scotland to Scottish parents, and has Thai heritage, reported the allegations to Police Scotland.
National rugby chiefs at Murrayfield, Edinburgh, have launched a probe.
University student Dylan said: "Every time the opposing winger got the ball there were shouts of, 'Run at the P**i' and, 'Hit the P**i'.
"I was in a bit of disbelief at first.
"I've been exposed to racism my whole life, but being subjected to it on the pitch, with an audience there, it was right in my face.
"I've had a word with the police and they were coming to have a proper chat with me about what happened.
"I made a 140-mile journey for this game, to be faced with vile abuse.
"It was coming from the direction of the Greenock Wanderers coaches.
"I don't know if it was one of them shouting the abuse or multiple, but it was coming from them.
"It was shocking what happened.
"This was when everyone was sober, in broad daylight with spectators watching the game.
"It wasn't quiet, it was full-on shouting and yelling that word.
"I've never seen anything like it.
"It wasn't like being in a raucous pub with drunken idiots, this was coming from a bunch of grown, sober men.
"It was just awful."
His father, Stefan, said: "My son was subjected to the abuse throughout the game.
"This is disgraceful behaviour and especially at this level, where everyone is an adult.
"I can't believe that anyone would think this is acceptable behaviour.
"It's funny to think that both of this young man's grandparents fought in the Second World War and were awarded medals for bravery, not to mention that Dylan was born in Scotland, to Scottish parents."
Strathmore lodged an official complaint with Scottish Rugby earlier this week.
The president of Greenock Wanderers, David McIlroy, said: "We are shocked to hear that an allegation has been made in this manner.
"We will deal with it swiftly and thoroughly."
A Scottish Rugby spokesperson said: "Scottish Rugby has been made aware of alleged racial abuse during the match between Greenock Wanderers and Strathmore RFC last Saturday.
"An official complaint from Strathmore RFC has subsequently been received and will now be investigated through Scottish Rugby's established disciplinary processes.
"There is absolutely no place for abuse, in any form, in rugby and Scottish Rugby is completely committed to ensuring the sport is inclusive to everyone."
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